Bankai Pause

Thrown into the muddle of war, Dima a young soldier in his mid-20s has been assigned a special reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he and his group are on the run for their lives. Their covert operation has been found out! After a night of running through perilous terrains, they arrived at an open field. Unfortunately, that was the last place they will ever see on their lives. But is it? For Dima that statement was far from true. He had been reborn in a new world far different from the world he once lived! As much as his questions arise, he always falls into the same justification: "I will explore this world and find out everything about my circumstances." Follow along on his adventure as he explores this new world full of mysteries. Finding his answers on a journey of self-discovery, survival, and the pursuit of freedom in a world that both mystifies and challenges him at every turn. An original by Aern Vogl. - - - - - - - - - Disclaimer: This work is intended for a general audience. The pacing and narrative flow are left to the reader's interpretation, as the story is intended to serve as an imaginative break as well as stage for readers to immerse themselves in the world of the characters. The cultures, landscapes, diverse creatures, and fundamental aspects of the world within this work are purely products of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or real events is entirely coincidental. Abbreviation: TUB Additional tags: #rebirth #worldbuilding Expected Update Schedule: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday/Saturday, [PAUSED] [Reboot in Consideration]

Everything was going according to plan—until my life was turned upside down. I had just graduated from university and was ready to start my career, fulfilling both my goals and those of my parents. But then, disaster struck. —— Creation of the World—a game that grants its user the ability to control a limitless world, with the power to create and destroy anything without restriction. Cassian watched helplessly as Earth was consumed by the world he had built. Unable to intervene, he suddenly found himself in a body that wasn’t his own. Cassian Starhold—the older brother of the world’s greatest hero. —— I was content with my life as a puppet, a slave whose only purpose was to toil away, sacrificing everything for a few worthless scraps of metal. But my enemies couldn’t leave me in peace. They brought war to my doorstep and destroyed everything I had spent my life building. I stood among thousands of their strongest sons, as they listened to the man who had ignited the fire in my life. Towering and imposing, he spoke from atop majestic marble columns, his gray hair blending with the crowd. Thousands of people, all sharing his features, gazed up at him with eyes filled with admiration and ambition. “People are not equal!” he declared, his voice dripping with arrogance. “We are the pinnacle of evolution! There is nothing beyond us! We have risen above piles of inferior blood, leaving massacres in our wake. And now, you are about to inherit this legacy.” He paused, surveying the crowd below with cold pride. “But this power must be earned. It is not granted by birth. Wealth, power, status… these things demand mountains of victims just to catch a glimpse of them.” His arms stretched wide, madness and pride gleaming in his eyes, and the crowd mirrored him, thousands roaring with fervent pride. The sight was terrifying. “You have no idea what your ancestors sacrificed to put you here. But you will learn. And I swear to you, with my pride on the line…” “Only those worthy of us will survive!” "Soon, I will show you why we are called dragons!" What these so-called dragons don’t know… is that a puppet will rise to shatter their illusions. He’s wrong. None of them will survive. ====== Author's Note: As you can see from the tags, the MC will eventually become a villain, but not at the beginning—and not even within the first three arcs. I'll take the time to carefully build his character and develop his transformation in a way that feels natural and logical. His ultimate goal is to return to his original family, so he harbors a deep hatred for the world he’s been pulled into. This novel will explore darker themes like slavery, murder, mind control, and betrayal. However, it will not contain R-18 content, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you might want to reconsider. The MC won’t be OP from the start, nor the smartest, but he will quickly gain experience and grow.

In a world where the powerful ruled with an iron fist, one boy was dealt the worst cards—first by fate, then by the world, and finally by an Outer God. With each passing moment, he spiraled deeper into a reality determined to break him. One day, as the pool of blood bubbled and rumbled in an ancient temple of malignance, a young man emerged from the depths. Beasts roared in a twisted symphony, and his body radiated a bloody strength that no one could contain. He paused, a thought crossing his mind as he got out from the blood pool: "I'm really not a Demon." One day, as the massive corpse of a dragon lay idle, it shriveled, losing all its grandeur and dignity. Its desecrated body pulsed with dark energy, and from its stomach erupted a sharp, tyrannical sword aura, cutting through the air with lethal precision. A figure emerged, his black robe now stained blood red, his blood-red vertical eyes gleaming with a demonic fire. As he stood, surrounded by the lingering aura of death, he thought, "I’m really not a Demon." One day, when the Blood Moon shone in all its glory, and the Demon Sect was at its peak, the Gates of the Demon Sect were shattered, and their Sect Halls lay in ruin. In the heart of their Demonic Lands, signs of a cataclysmic battle were evident. Corpses, scattered like broken dolls, piled upon each other to form a massive mound. Atop this heap of death sat a figure, calm and unperturbed, bathed in moonlight. His four eyes scanned the surroundings, and after a moment of contemplation, he thought rationally, "I only killed Demons, so that doesn’t really make me a Demon."

I turned my assassin into my maid with the power of money! Money is all-powerful! It was a world full of swords and magic; Lawrend was the son of the wealthiest merchant in town. Since the age of 7, he had been having dreams. A dream about a past life in a modern civilization where monsters are nonexistent, and humans dominate the world. Lawrend saw Iron birds, Magical bricks that display moving paintings, Thunder wielding, and many more. There was a scene in one of the dreams that made Lawrend’s heart beat fast. A row of a dozen maids bowing in front of him. Each dressed in a french maid outfit. Something awakened inside Lawrend when he had that dream. A fervent desire to have his very own Maid Harem! NOTE: READ THE AUXILIARY CHAPTER FIRST Chapter 69 is the first smut chapter. UPDATE December 2, 2021: I have provided a summary for Chapters 1 - 37 as I'm starting to rewrite them. It can be found in the Auxiliary Volume. Please give this novel another chance. I want to redeem myself as an author. UPDATE January 19, 2022: I already wrote the sequel for this novel called, "Lewd Cultivation System". The connection will be mentioned in the future, but for now, the connection isn't obvious. It can be read without prior knowledge about Combat Maid Harem. UPDATE February 11, 2022: For reasons I do not know, this book got nominated for WSA 2021, which is a huge success for this book. Basically, it means that this book is good enough but not good enough to get the gold, silver, or bronze places. UPDATE October 3, 2023: I've decided to pause this novel. I will end it when I have the time. For now, I'll go resume "Lewd Cultivation System" UPDATE January 1, 2025: This novel is now going to end soon in about 20-30 chapters. After this, I will also do the same to "Lewd Cultivation System". ===== Chapter Length: 1000 words ADDITIONAL NOTE: PLEASE READ TILL CHAPTER 40+ BEFORE DECIDING ON ANYTHING. I'M SURE YOU WON'T REGRET IT

"Why can't you hate me? I am a witch, after all. The last of my kind. Kill me, and the very creature you despise to the core will be extinct. So..." Ava balled her fist and struck Felix’s chest, her tears tracing silent paths down her face. "Hate me, General. Hate me! Why won’t you just hate me?" He grasped her wrist, halting her soft attacks. "Has anyone ever told you that your eyes resemble the second-brightest star when they glisten with your tears?" he asked. "What?" Ava frowned at the sudden shift in topic. "But..." He pulled her closer. "Do you know when they resemble the brightest one?" Ava’s lips parted, but no sound escaped them. Felix gently brushed a strand of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. "When you look at me with that innocence in your eyes." He paused, their gazes locking, eyes drowning into each other’s. "You want me to hate you? Then teach me. Teach me how to hate someone whose eyes hold the innocence of holy water." --- Ava Sideris, the last of her kind, is forced to flee when the royal princess, driven by unrequited love for General Felix Hellstern, threatens to expose her secret to the nation. Fearing for Felix’s reputation and her own life, Ava annuls their marriage and goes into exile. However, Felix has no intention of letting her go—he's hunting her. But... Will his resolve remain firm when he learns that his ex-wife is the very creature he despises to his core? Will he accept her for who she truly is—a witch—or will his acceptance be nothing more than a deception, leading to a betrayal she never saw coming? [CLICK THE CHAPTERS TO GET YOUR ANSWERS]

Ahmet's laughter was like a slap in the face. "You think you're in a position to negotiate with me?" he sneered. "I don't think so, Asli. You'll do what I say, or suffer the consequences. Do you want more time to outsmart me? No.” She could play his game. She certainly could do that before she finally killed him. A mischievous grin formed on her lips. "What would you gain from sleeping with me?" she asked, trying to keep her tone neutral. "You're not exactly known for your romantic conquests. And we're rivals, not to mention the fact that our families would kill us if they found out." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "So, what's the real motive here? What could you possibly gain from this?" There was a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, Asli wondered if she had caught him off guard. But then, Ahmet's smooth voice came back, dripping with confidence. "I’m glad to know you are well-informed about my romantic conquests. Let's just say, Asli, that I have my reasons. And as for what I'd gain… well, that's for me to know and you to find out." His tone sent a shiver down her spine, and she knew she had to tread carefully. She wasn’t going to win this against him. “Show me what proof you have and I will give in to your demands.” With that, she hung up the call, feeling a small sense of satisfaction at being the one to end the conversation this time. She was the only woman in the male-dominated Mafia world. Did he think he could subdue her so easily?

``` « Vis la vie que tu souhaites cette fois. » Une assassine sans pareille, nom de code : Hua, a déjà commencé sa carrière depuis qu'elle était enfant. Son dossier de missions était parfait et quiconque était considéré comme son ennemi finissait mort sans savoir pourquoi. Lorsque la guerre prit fin, elle fut envoyée dans un établissement où elle était étroitement surveillée. Le médecin responsable lui donna un roman de wuxia ordinaire à lire. Une avalanche se déclencha après qu'elle eut fini de lire. À son réveil, elle était devenue Nan Hua, la jeune demoiselle d'une puissante famille militaire dans le roman qu'elle avait lu. La fille était également la fiancée de l'ancien personnage principal, qui mourrait à cause de son obstruction à l'amour du personnage principal. Maintenant qu'elle avait pris la place, qui oserait encore se comporter de manière si présomptueuse autour d'elle ? Ils ne sauraient jamais comment ils se retrouvaient si misérablement ! Mais… personnage principal, que fais-tu à rôder autour d'elle ? Ne devrais-tu pas te concentrer sur la guerre imminente et sauver ta protagoniste féminine ? Pourquoi essaies-tu par tous les moyens de la conquérir à la place, hein ? ... Histoire située dans un monde fictif avec une culture similaire à celle de la Chine ancienne. Rejoignez le discord pour discuter avec l'auteur et les autres lecteurs : https://discord.gg/pBy2wGB ... P.S : Cette histoire est également publiée sur Amazon, si vous y lisez, merci de bien vouloir laisser un commentaire. Merci ^^ ... Suite : Fleur Astrale [en cours] ... Autres romans : - Les Fleurs Éclosent sur le Champ de Bataille [complet] - Sous le Voile de la Nuit [complet] - 7 Chemins des Lys [en longue pause] - 1 An de Commencement [complet] - La Dame Méchante [complet] - Science et Fantaisie [complet] - 2 Ans de Redémarrage [complet] - L'Impératrice Silencieuse [en cours] - Le Petit Chat du Méchant [en cours] ... Suivez-moi sur IG : @sora100518 ```

Jiang Yi was dumped by her ex-boyfriend, and the scheming girl held his hand, saying, "The entire HR Group is under my uncle's control, and his last name is Wen. So what if you have a rich uncle? Jiang Yi, you've concealed your identity for so many years, a wealthy father, a grandfather with immense power—who among them can't compare with you? A year later, Jiang Yi made a high-profile appearance with her fiancé, Wen Suihan. Her ex-boyfriend and rival were stopped outside the door because of an invitation card. Jiang Yi's smile was radiant, "Call me 'auntie,' and you won't need the invitation anymore." The scheming girl said to the security guard, "Uncle, didn't you say we could enter without an invitation?" Jiang Yi paused, "Wait, isn't your uncle Wen Suihan?" Wen Suihan's face turned cold, "What? Are you and my security guard acquaintances?"

Black-bellied, sharp-tongued business tyrant vs. adorably cunning, deceptively soft beauty 【Let the evil meet their fate, and if fate doesn't take its course, I'll do it for you】 It was rumored in C City that the merchant Gu Jiangnian was a master of strategy and profit, where every move was made for gain. But everyone at Junhua knew, Director Gu sought not only profit but also people. To what extent? Want money, send money; want someone, send someone; you fight, I guard the door; you brawl, I support you. Before marriage, she was the least favored miss of the Jiang family, battling alone against her cruel stepmother and adulterous father, with her daily work: brawl! Brawl! And brawl some more! After marriage, she was the beloved little ancestor of the Gu Mansion, pampered and protected in the palm of the master's hand, too precious to let others bully, with her daily work: cling to powerful coattails! Cling! And cling some more! 【Post-marriage daily life one】 One day, Mrs. Gu was ill and had lost her appetite. Mr. Gu canceled his appointments to return home, sat in front of her, and coldly stared, his words icy: “Didn’t you say I was a feast for the eyes? Eat!” 【Post-marriage daily life two】 Mrs. Gu found herself in a tight spot, attacked by the public, when a reporter relentlessly pursued Gu Jiangnian asking, “As Junhua’s director and C City’s wealthiest Mr. Gu, what is your opinion on Mrs. Gu's attempt to run over her own biological father?” The man paused abruptly, his face cold as he slowly and deliberately said, “She's spoiled by me. What’s it to you?” Without waiting for the reporter to answer, he arrogantly continued, “Even if you have an opinion, keep it to yourself. My woman, Gu Jiangnian’s woman, is not subject to your criticism.”

Nora is shattered a month before her wedding when she uncovers her fiancé's deceitful affair. As she manages this betrayal, she discovers a deep ploy to hinder her from claiming her rightful inheritance. Devastated but determined, Nora takes a daring step to regain control of her life. Enter Demetri 'The Demon' to those who know him, a formidable man barely known to her, who offers her protection and support in return for a contract marriage to satisfy him. In a twist of fate, Nora marries Demetri to claim her inheritance and fight those who plotted against her. But as she battles her own family and Demetri's many rivals, will she be able to keep from falling for the man known to crush people beneath his booted heel. Excerpt: She had forgotten that the man was intimidating and directly challenged him. Rather than speaking, Demetri rose from his seat and approached her deliberately. Although it was a mere few steps, time seemed to stretch for Nora. When he was almost within touching distance, his hand gently landed on her knee, moving it sideways. His touch moved with a hint of a caress, and he stepped between her open legs. Nora sat there in frozen silence, her eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. Catching her chin between his fingers, he tilted her face upwards and spoke unhurriedly," You are my wife." She nodded her head slowly in affirmation while his thumb slowly traced her lip. "I have given you time to gather your emotions." Another nod. Nora's nervousness made her lick her lips, acutely aware of his intense gaze fixed upon them. "Your reason for the marriage was to secure your inheritance and get away from under your mother's thumb." "Yes..." Nora whispered in confusion. Her confusion was not about his statement but about the bewildering sensations coursing through her. What was happening with her? "It's time for you to fulfil your end of the contract, yes?" He continued. "Yes," Nora whispered breathlessly. Why was she breathless? Had the oxygen level in the house dropped? Was the air suddenly thinning? Abruptly, his hand left her face, and she watched as he drew closer. It was then that Nora comprehended what was unfolding. All those tantalizing, heart-pounding kisses she had read about in novels were about to possibly become her reality. But the anticipated kiss didn't happen. Instead, he paused near her and commanded, "Kiss me."

[MATURE CONTENT] Abigail Snow accidentally caught her fiancé being intimate with her sister. She learned that her fiancé had only used her to advance his business and had never truly loved her. Heartbroken, Abigail called off the engagement and left everything behind to start a new life with nothing. At her lowest point, she met Sawyer, a hidden tycoon who helped her rebuild her life and seek justice against those who made her suffer. As Abigail begins to fall in love with Sawyer, his childhood sweetheart reappears, causing doubt and confusion for her. *** Excerpt: Whoever this man was, he was her savior. If he hadn’t held her hand and pulled her, she might have become dead meat and gone straight to the afterlife. "Thank you so much, good sir," Abigail said softly as she finally looked up to see him. Abigail was stunned. "But I'm not planning to commit suicide. I tripped over my own feet,” she continued, avoiding eye contact. She stared at his chest—her line of sight only reaching his sturdy chest. “It sounds better to hear that, Miss. Because I don’t want to go to the police station to become a witness, or they might wrongly accuse me as a suspect,” he said with a sarcastic tone that caused Abigail to stifle a laugh. "Sir, I’m so grateful you helped me. You are my savior. I owe you my life—" Abigail paused, taken aback by her own words. How could she make such a deep vow to this man!? This man might take advantage of her if he was a bad person. Right? "Alright, young lady, you’re supposed to release your tight embrace on me. You’re safe now." Abigail was utterly shocked to hear his words. She only realized she was still in his arms, her hands tightly wrapped around his waist, and her entire body pressed against him. They were so close—close enough to hear his loud heartbeat. She quickly took a few steps back. _____ Author Novel: 1. DAMN! I FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM (Completed) 2. The Bride Of Immortal Crown Prince (Completed) 3. Rebirth: Dancing In My Destiny (Completed) 4. The Billionaire's Genius Wife (Completed) 5. Rebirth As The Vampire Lord's Wife (Completed) 6. My Billionaire Ex-Husband Chase Me Back (Completed) 7. Betrayed by Fiance, Embraced by Hidden Tycoon (Serializing) _____ How to contact me: >> Instagram account: authorpurplelight >> FB Page: Author_Purplelight >> Join my Discord Server: https://bit.ly/purplelightserver _____ Notes: The book cover belongs to the author. Please don't reuse it!

In her previous life, Lina Riley harbored an unrequited love for the Fifth Princess, Victoria Ashwood. Lina sacrificed everything for her—securing her place on the throne, protecting her borders, and losing her arm and sight in the process. Yet, her loyalty was repaid with a goblet of poisoned wine and the execution of her entire family. Victoria despised her, accusing Lina of cruelty and of orchestrating her elder sister’s death, deeming her unworthy of love. When the poison took effect, Lina closed her eyes in despair, only to awaken back in the moment they first met. On that fateful day, Lina had stumbled upon Victoria being beaten by palace maids, an encounter that set everything in motion. This time, Lina turned away, choosing a different path, but a faint fragrance of plum blossoms lured her in. One reckless night led to a moment of despair when she awoke to find the coldly beautiful face of her bedmate—Lucille Everard, the Princess Regent. Lucille, while outwardly uninterested in court affairs, was notorious for her swift and decisive actions that had seen emperors replaced with alarming frequency. Compared to Lucille’s power, Lina’s past dealings with Victoria seemed like mere child's play. As Lucille stirred awake, Lina's nerves were frayed. “Given the circumstances, Your Highness, what do you think of me now?” she asked, resigned to her fate. To her surprise, Lucille chuckled softly. “I think you’re wonderful.” Stunned, Lina could only manage a confused “Huh?” From that moment, everything veered off course. Lucille's palace soon bloomed with roses—Lina’s favorite. Amidst the swaying blossoms, the resolute Princess Regent would gently take Lina’s hand, her once-frigid gaze warm and tender. “My dear Lina, you are the finest woman in the world.” In her new life, Lina often dreamed. She dreamt of someone leaving a bouquet of roses at her grave, their robes trailing the light fragrance of plum blossoms. They sipped wine with a wry smile, murmuring, “Silly girl, I avenged you.” Victoria Ashwood was reborn too. She hadn’t expected that killing Lina would provoke her aunt’s ruthless revenge. Determined to avoid a similar fate, she resolved to feign affection for Lina, even if it took a lifetime. At a palace banquet, Victoria was taken aback by Lina’s beauty. Draped in fine silks, Lina was a dazzling sight, so different from the weathered woman Victoria remembered. Drawn to her, Victoria was about to approach when she noticed Lucille at Lina’s side, gently wiping her lips with a soft smile. “Take it slow,” Lucille murmured. Lina paused, then chuckled as she adjusted a strand of Lucille’s hair. Victoria’s heart twisted in fury. When her desperate attempts to win Lina back failed, she demanded, “Why won’t you love me?” Lina sneered. “Show some respect, Fifth Princess. You should address me as Aunt. Besides, your hypocrisy and cold-heartedness make you unworthy of love.” Years ago, a young Lucille Everard encountered a lost girl in the palace gardens. The girl declared that Lucille was beautiful and promised to marry her one day. Thirteen years later, a fateful misunderstanding during a bout of poisoning entwined their paths. What began as teasing quickly turned Lucille from a hunter into prey, helplessly ensnared by the woman she never forgot. Tags: 1. Cold yet protective Princess Regent × Reborn and resigned noblewoman 2. Nine-year age gap (Princess Regent is older) 3. Alternate history, non-patriarchal setting 4. Puppet empress, regent princess ruling behind the scenes 5. Two lifetimes of love, slow-burn romance

Warning: Mature content. This story is about a girl named Farah Fareen who belongs to a very conservative Muslim family in Pakistan but still, her parents want her to become a good doctor so they send her to China to study M. B. B. S. Farah does not believe in love anymore because of her terrifying past which was once her dream to fall in love with her dream boy. On the other hand, Shahid Maqdoomi is America's one of the greatest Mafia Leaders. He is very dangerous and the mafia is everything to him. There is no place for love in his life. The most important woman in his life is his mother. He had lots of one-night stands but he dismisses them in the morning except for his assistant Leena, but he has never fallen in love with her. Farah: where am I? The door opens as I wake up and I look ahead but see nothing but a dark shadow. ???: you must be confused why are you here? He paused and I asked in a terrified state. Farah: yes? Before I could say anything he said. ???: I am Shahid Maqdoomi and before I say anything to you, check the screen. I froze on the spot when I looked at the screen. Read all the story about what happens to her next.

"---," --- whispered, their voice sharp and desperate. "Swear to me you'll help end this." --- paused, the torchlight catching their shadowed face. "...Do you understand what you're asking of me?" "I do," they said, their trembling hands hidden behind their back. "Do you?" --- In a kingdom shrouded by whispers of corruption and secrets, a mysterious knight ventures into a quiet village, seeking answers to an unsettling case. Known for their sharp gaze and unyielding presence, the knight’s reputation precedes them—but not everything is as it seems.

Ten years ago, the world was captivated by a groundbreaking VR MMORPG, a fully immersive experience that allowed players to step into the shoes of legendary heroes in a realm of magic and wonder. For a decade, they built their lives, forged their identities, and left their marks on what they thought was just a game. But when the servers shut down, the truth shattered everything. The game world wasn’t just a virtual reality, it was a fabricated timeline, a fragile imitation of the true Magic world . And now, the countdown has begun. The players, ripped from their lives on Earth and the simulation, find themselves in the Magic World, ten years younger but burdened with all the memories of the game and their old lives. Their in-game personas, once vibrant and driven by purpose, are now hollow shells, unable to act on their own. Even worse, Earth’s timeline fragile and unprotected has been paused, and its collapse is inevitable. To prevent disaster, the 10 Originals, the most renowned players of the game, must rise once more. But this time, there are no systems to guide them, no respawns, and no safety nets. The high realm is real, its dangers far deadlier than any raid boss. And as the countdown ticks away, inconsistencies between the worlds begin to unravel reality itself. Thrown into a world they don’t fully understand, hunted by their own past mistakes, and racing against time to stop the collapse of Earth’s timeline, the Originals must uncover the secrets of the game’s creation and find a way to stabilize the Magic World. The clock is ticking, and the fate of three worlds rests on their shoulders. Will the Originals be able to fix the chaos they caused, or will everything they fought for crumble into nothingness?

Jiang Chen never expected to find himself in a world of cultivation, let alone as a core disciple of a famous sect. Destined to play the villain’s role, his future was full of trouble. He had plotted against the protagonist, crippling his dantian and turning him into a disgraced outcast, barely holding onto his place in the sect. If not for a surprising twist, Jiang Chen’s story might have ended as a small chapter in the protagonist’s grand journey. Understanding how risky his position was, Jiang Chen gave a sly grin. Alone, he thought to himself: 'Is the protagonist strong? No doubt about it. But am I afraid? Definitely not. Why? Because I have the Immortal Great Villain System!' Then he paused, his expression changing slightly. 'Wait… there’s more than one protagonist?' Instead of feeling worried, his grin grew wider. 'Well, isn’t that perfect?' With a sharp glint in his eyes, Jiang Chen made a bold declaration to himself: 'As the ultimate Great Villain, I’ll defy Heaven’s will and stand at the top!'

[Warning: This book contains Strong Language and Mature Content] On her eighteenth birthday, Ravenna felt the weight of exile as she was outlawed from her home because she could not shift to a werewolf, a mark of shame in their world that revered power. Away from all the ridicules and hate, she had at least a more peaceful life, until a beautiful storm knocked at her door. Deceived by its enchanting waves, Ravenna welcomed it with open arms until she was swept away into the deepest depth of the ocean of love. Being a daughter of an alpha, that was not supposed to happen even if she was not living in the pack anymore. Falling in love with the king of darkness. Alaric! He is the epitome of danger. But then, she turned his life upside down. From a heartless man to an obsessive lover. All he wished was to keep her with him. Even if it meant chaining her to himself. Whether what he felt was infatuation, desire or... he just would never ever let her go. Let no man or beast separate him from what he had claimed and marked; else they would face his unceasing wrath. **************** "Am of no use to you, why do you still insist on keeping me?" She just wanted to hear him say it. That he loved her as much as she did. She was becoming more desperate as days went by, maybe more than desperate to the extent of destroying herself in this love. Alaric paused and kept his laptop aside. He held her hand and brought her in front of him before pulling her to his lap. Silently, he sniffed her neck and licked it, then replied, "Because I want to." He continued his actions, and his hands were already moving under her dress caressing her thighs. Ravenna took a deep breath trying to stop herself from diving into pleasure as always. "Will you ever say it?" Her voice came out as a low yearning plead and with his advanced hearing ability, Alaric did not miss a word. "Say what?" His hand reached her pant ready to tear it apart. "That you love me." Her words made him pause abruptly before looking at her. As usual, his eyes were blank with no hint of emotions making Ravenna feel like she was just fooling herself. For how long could she endure this? "Do I?" He asked not tearing his gaze away from her eyes that were already tearing up. _________________________ This book is in the viral competition. Support Author by adding to library, gifting power stones and golden tickets.

Shadows stretch longer, whispers grow louder, and the world of Obinai Nobunaga, a teen trying to figure out his place in the world begins to unravel in ways that defy understanding… *whispering frantically, their voice trembling* “They’re… they’re dead. They’re all dead. I don’t… how did this happen? How could this happen?” *pausing, breathing heavily, pacing* “No, no, no, no, no. This can’t—this can’t be my fault. I didn’t… I wouldn’t… I couldn’t have done it. Right? Right?” *laughing nervously, almost hysterically* “I mean, it’s not like I just—no! No, stop it! Think. Think! There has to be an explanation. There has to be!” *voice breaking, barely above a whisper* “But what if it was me? What if… what if I did this? Oh God… oh God, what have I done?” *slumping to the ground, gripping their head* “Why can’t I remember? Why can’t I—” sobbing now “I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry…I’m so sorry…” Those who dare to hope must ask: When you strip away the comforting lies, will you embrace the shards of truth—or bleed by their edge? This novel is a mix of fantasy and and light sci-fi that explores dark themes. I can’t say much but it’s all a journey…a messy one…but a journey all the same. Come and observe the main character as he progresses…to rid himself of someone…and uncover the secrets of this world. Hope you Enjoy :) (Updates are 1 chapter a day...This is also on Royal Road and ScribbleHub and Wattpad...review it there too)

Sophia was adopted when she was a kid, a dream come true for orphans. However Her life was anything but happy, her fiance whom she harbored intense love for 10 years cruelly exploited her and used her as a prawn to lure a deranged murderer targeting his lover. It is a horrible thing for your loved one to betray you, especially in a tragic manner. It seemed she was spurred by the complete despair over having nothing and no one to live for. Therefore, she surrendered without a fight. However, after her death. One would not expect a woman like Sophia, someone small as a caterpillar or even a dung beetle to be reborn, But here she is—perhaps she might have saved a kingdom in another life, or maybe God pitied her. She finds herself reincarnated as a timid and obedient wife of a billionaire. Sophia decides she wants revenge that could ruin her fiance and lover's life. And the only way to do that was to get pregnant with her billionaire husband's child! Dexter Black was the illegitimate son of a wealthy family, their marriage was nothing but a benefit for the two families. He could choose anyone to be his bride but the moment he laid his eyes on her,he knew she was the one he wanted. Dexter knows that there is something mysterious going on around her. She got a mystifying background. But he doesn't care about who she was in the past and why they keep attacking her. All he can think of is loving her, cherishing her, locking her up so that she will never return to her past. Because he knows that he won't be able to live a moment away from her. Would their marriage be a romantic tale or utter disaster? ~ Except~ "Wait, let me get this straight," she says, her voice rising. "You want me to get pregnant?" Alexander's face remains impassive. "They, yeah." Sophia stares at him, searching for signs of a head injury or a hidden camera crew. Finding neither, she decides this must be his twisted form of play. "You're going crazy," she announces, grabbing her things. "I'm leaving." She's halfway to the door when his words stop her cold. "It's either you get pregnant, or they won't allow you to leave until you are," Alexander says calmly. She pauses to process his words.

Everyone knows the classic Cinderella story. A prince who falls in love with a commoner and unintentionally rescues her from her abusive household. But… What if Cinderella were a prideful young man, and the prince… was a princess who could barely admit her own feelings? Oh. The things people will do for love. The illegitimate son from the Xie family is laughed at the aristocratic circle. Proud, aloof, and undeniably rude, he’s everything but likable. His only saving graces are his unmatched grades and a face that could stop traffic. Yang Qinru, the "tyrant" of Imperial Academy, is no damsel in distress. With a bat in one hand and wit sharp enough to cut steel, she’s both feared and respected. But behind her rebellion is a girl who’s unafraid to take what she wants—even if it’s someone as infuriating as Xie Xinglin. ... "You’re kind of cute,” Yang Qinru mumbled, her cheeks betraying her with a faint pink hue. "What was that?" Xie Xinglin looked up, frowning. "I said you look like you crawled out of a garbage can!" she snapped, cheeks flaming as she spun on her heel and stormed off. Later, Wang Ye leaned in with a sly grin. "Boss, you into him? Like, fantasizing-about-him kind of into him?" Yang Qinru shot him a glare. "Like who?" "You know… him. Do you, like, daydream about holding his hand and skipping through fields of flowers or something?" She snorted. "Of course not! What kind of nonsense—?" She paused, her voice dropping to a mumble. "It's not like I imagine us getting married, building a house in the countryside, and adopting five cats or anything." Wang Ye blinked, stunned. "Uh… boss, that’s oddly specific." "Shut up!" she barked, shoving him away. This isn’t your typical fairy tale. When the "Cinderella" isn’t waiting to be saved, and the "prince" has his own walls to break down, what’s left is a whirlwind romance of rivalry, sarcasm, and reluctant confessions. After all, love doesn’t always follow the script.

Being the daughter of a famous dragon hunter has its perks and annoyances. One perk Everscent likes is that she has access to things other people normally wouldn't. For instance, getting noticed by the Dragon God Chaos and receiving his blessing, giving her access to the system. There's no way she would have drawn the attention of a shadow god if she wasn't related to her parents. A second perk is getting one on one sparring sessions and being able to afford a tutor to help her control her blessing. At least, if they can find one strong enough to handle the powerful darkness she wields. An annoying perk would be all the expectations that are put on her shoulders. "Your mother is a strict Headmistress for the number one academy in the world and your father is an anointed Hunter to a High Lord who won the national tournament. How powerful are you?" Only she is powerful, she just can't control it so she doesn't use it. Often, at least. Well, only when it's convenient. However, now that Everscent is twenty years of age, she can go with her older brother to the academy to follow her family legacy. To join the tournament and become a dragon hunter. Well, just as soon as she masters the rest of her blessing. However, one mistake makes her entire first year tense and unforgettable. No one likes a pissed off King breathing down their neck, Ever especially. Not when her brother is starting to act weird. Not when demons are sneaking into the academy, and not when dragons are attacking with the Dra'koni. Is it just her or does everything just have bad timing? *** Two daggers sit atop a white marble pillar, protected by a dome of glass. While the hilts and crossguards match, the blades are different. One is made of a pale, shiny metal, while the other is crafted from dark obsidian. At the center of their hilts are round opal stones. Everscent leans closer, her hands pressing against the glass as she gapes at the lovely weapons. "What are you doing?" The deep, quiet voice makes her yelp and she jumps away from the dragon-blessed item. Everscent spins around and finds a dark figure leaning against the doorframe leading to the room she's in. Is he here to steal it too? Has word already gotten out about it being transferred here already? That's so annoying… Ding [Profile blocked from viewing.] Everescent's eyebrows furrow as she averts her eyes from her system screen to her new guest. How strong does he have to be to do that? A low grade wouldn't have been able to get past the Honeycomb Barrier. Everscent narrows her eyes. If he truly is that strong, can he see her profile window? He isn't giving anything away that he does. "Wha–" Her voice cracks, and she cuts herself off to clear her throat. Dang it. "Me? What about you?" The guy doesn't respond at first, then he hums. He gazes up at something behind her and taps a finger against the fabric of his pants. Then he pushes himself off of the doorframe, and with his hands shoved into his pockets, steps closer. "I asked you first," he shrugs. She tilts her head, why does he seem so familiar? "I got curious." She glares at him. She takes him in from head to toe. "I wanted to see it." "Seeing doesn't require touching, now does it, little thief?" She can hear smugness in his tone. Ever's hands curl into fists. Who the hell is this guy? "It's your turn," she snaps, nodding at him. "Why are you here?" "Just," he pauses, and reaches up to scratch the top of his head and then sighs, "doing some old man a favor." Old man? Her eyebrows furrow. "What–" He cuts her off. Suddenly, he's inches away from her, his eyes squinting as he smiles wide from beneath his mask. His eyelashes are so long. "You talk too much." He murmurs softly.

A man cladded in a black rode walked up the mountain to finally meet his nemesis the guardian ancestors which is ironically led by his great grandmother,he looked back and all he could see where people he had already slaughtered he sighed" maybe I shouldn't have been born anyway" as if getting back to his senses he roared "I don't care,I make decisions and I don't regret them " his voice echoing through vast space that was filled with bodies,every step he took he remembered his losses all of them weighing heavily on him he paused then looked up and behold they where there waiting patiently for him he could smell their helplessness but that wasn't going to stop him from destroying them.on the largest mountain in the universe they stood waiting for him guardian ancestors of clans, sects and factions this people where literally gods but they couldn't help but swallow heavily,the nearer the harbinger of destruction came,the funniest thing is that they knew they couldn't beg,many of them actually wished he could spare them but they also "understood" he couldn't.Their leader the guardian ancestor of the clans sighed and spoke"Here he his everyone,my great grandson the one that has been destined to destroy and put an end to us finally,I hate to break it to you I'm out of motivation at this point it seems this the finally the end"then she clapsed her hand seeing her the guardians also clapsed their hands transferring their essence to their leader who was getting powered up every seconds,then the man arrived upon seeing them he scoffed"I can't believe the guardian ancestors are also making final struggles how touching" then he burst out laughing but the laughter was more of a pained one,all of a sudden his demeanor changed to a very cold and chilling one with a devilish smile he said"well pls put up a good enough fight"

Kat grumbled a little before reluctantly quieting down, allowing Lucian speak. He continued, his eyes locking onto hers. "The second thing the mark does is tie your fate to the Kelpie's. I injured it badly. stabbed it in the back and it's neck. If it dies because of those wounds, you will die too." She felt a cold shock wash over her. "What? That's insane! Why would I die if it dies?" "The mark it put on you," Lucian explained, his hands never stopping their motion with the pen. "As the Kelpie suffers, so will you. It's dying now, and if it succumbs to its injuries, you'll follow soon after." "Wow, Katherine, way to go. You really outdid yourself," Kat muttered to herself, taking a deep breath. "Seeing a wet horse despite the dry weather wasn't enough for you to think something was wrong." "You saw it wet?" Lucian asked, his eyebrows frowning slightly. "Huh?... Yeah, is something wrong with that?" Kat asked, wondering why the horse being wet was more important to him at the moment than her dying. Lucian didn't say anything but just stared at the girl in front of him. 'There is something more to her, I just can't tell what it is' he thought. To further confirm his suspicion, he moved closer to Kat, closing the distance between them. He reached for the shoulder of her dress and pulled it down. The sudden action startled Kat. She exclaimed, "What do you think you are doing, pervert? Get away from me!" She tried hitting him, but she barely had the strength to sit up, let alone push him away. Lucain paused, staring at her bare shoulder. Kat followed his gaze and gasped. "What is that?" she asked, her voice trembling. On her shoulder was a strange mark, like a tattoo of a hoof print with foreign writing within it. Lucain hummed thoughtfully, his expression still impassive. 'As I thought, she shouldn't be able to see it, but she can. That's unusual for a human.' Kat frantically tried to wipe the mark off. "Why won't it come off?" "That's the Kelpie's mark," He pointed out, his tone remained indifferent. Panic surged through Kat. She hadn't just narrowly escaped death; it was now chasing her, bound to her by an invisible tether. "Is there any way to break the bond...mark whatever it is? I don't want to die," she asked desperately, her eyes searching Lucian's for any sign of hope. Lucian's expression stayed the same. "I don't intend to let you die so soon," he said. "We can replace the Kelpie's bond with another bond." Kat clung to this glimmer of hope. "How do we do that?" she asked, leaning forward, eager for a solution. "It requires a new bond, a stronger one that can override the Kelpie's," Lucian explained, his demeanor calm and composed. Before she could ask what he meant, Lucian reached out and gently pecked her on the forehead. Kat froze, completely caught off guard by the unexpected action. The brief contact sent a jolt through her, and she barely had time to react before he pulled her into a gentle embrace, careful not to hurt her already pained body. Her mind raced, trying to process the sudden shift from their conversation to this intimate moment. The warmth of his embrace contrasted sharply with the cold fear that had gripped her moments before. She caught the scent of rosewood and felt his firm body against hers, making her heart skip a beat. "What are you doing?" she whispered, her voice shaky. Kat's heart pounded in her chest. She felt Lucian's face bury itself in the crook of her neck, his breath warm against her skin. His grip on her waist tightened slightly. She winced as she felt a sharp pain. Lucian's fangs sank into her neck, causing her to gasp and grip his shoulder, her fingers digging into his shoulder.... **** disclaimer: cover not mine.

The Power of Music: Part 1 A humorous and lighthearted tale of a guy's day out at Kabianga, which starts with a fitness session in his quirky gym attire and evolves into a comedic adventure on the football field—or lack thereof. Disappointed by the absence of a casual match, he stumbles upon "Frustration Square," where he meets a girl sitting alone. Attempting to impress her with awkward humor, he fumbles his way through their interaction until music saves the day. As Perfect Design by Nyashinski plays, the song unexpectedly creates a connection between them—until his cheeky pause leaves her singing the wrong lyrics. What happens next? Stay tuned for Part 2!

Whisper of the souls is a poignant collection of poems that delves deep into the complexities of human emotion and the quiet moments that shape our lives. Through vivid imagery and lyrical verse, Bella17 explores themes of love, longing, loss, and personal transformation. The poems reflect a journey of self-discovery, where the heart’s vulnerabilities are laid bare, and the beauty in both sorrow and joy is celebrated. Each poem invites readers to pause, reflect, and connect with their own inner landscapes, offering solace and understanding in a world that often feels overwhelming. With a delicate balance of tenderness and strength, Whisper of the souls reveals the quiet power of words to heal and inspire.

Paused due to lack of financial motivation. When the sleepy little city of Warren Ohio starts teetering on the edge of chaos, Zoe is chosen to be a hero. There’s just one problem: she’s chubby, lazy, and way more invested in leveling up her Horizon Panther than saving the world. Monsters? Pass. But when a nagging system won’t stop harassing her and a looming Shard starts messing with her snack time, Zoe is forced to deal with her so-called "destiny." Begrudgingly. As long as it doesn’t interfere with her next raid. Cover by MK_Wizard Find her on ko-fi mkwizard

WALKTHROUGH TO BECOMING A MERCHANT KING IN A FANTASY WORLD Nikos Aarav die and get transmigrated into another world. Using the 'Merchant System' he aim to get a comfortable life and not too forget becoming wealthy like in his previous life. In this new world, he goes across kingdom and continents; diverse beast-kin kingdom, nature beauty elf kingdom, dive inside a mountain lava of dwarf kingdom, floating kingdom of winged creatures, even go to a demon king palace. And many more secret and undiscovered territory. Claiming this new world as his money making machine. It all began with a single thought: "In this world, I want to live a comfortable life and have the freedom to do whatever I like. To go on adventures, fight monsters, and getting rich," he pauses, smirking to himself, "well maybe dominate the world on the side, just a little bit." with a carefree shrug, he walks away. NOTE: This story start slow and comfortable pace. However slowly but surely as the volume progress, it will begin to reveal how modern economy knowledge can enable someone to control the global economic power of kingdoms, continents, and the world.

"Hey, beautiful," she paused, "may I know your name?" Nox asked, not really believing the words that were leaving her lips at that moment. "I'm Dunamis, Aylin Dunamis. What's yours?" Aylin spoke, her sweet, soft voice sounding to Nox as beautiful as a symphony of angels. "Nox, Scarlett Nox, and I, dear Aylin, am your mate." Came the reply, Aylin's eyes widening with realization at the revelation by the Alpha before her. ------------------------------------------------------------- A random visit to a cafe` for a fresh coffee after a soulless morning in the office is the last place Alpha Scarlett Nox expected to find her mate, a sweet-looking omega called Aylin Dunamis. As they begin to explore their lives together as mates, the universe begins to stir. Unexpected encounters, unending hostilities and reunited loved ones appear, making the two wolves begin to realise that not all is as it seems. When the secrets they suffered to keep hidden finally surface, will they be buried under the skeletons they hid in their closets? One thing that is certain is that their meeting may have been fortune's favour, but the road ahead of them had no such sentiments. ----------------------------------------------------------- This is not a slow-burn romance in any way, shape or form. It contains some Futa aspects, if not comfortable, I suggest you don't read. Also, I do not take credit for any of these character images, the credit goes to pixart. This story is in the WSA Contest, so please vote and add it to your collection! Ruthless Alpha x Fiery Omega Girl x Girl

Under this damned moonlight, we shall break our curse and make our love a legacy~~~ Their love shouldn't have existed in the first place. He was her enemy, and she was his sweetest redemption. After Elysia lost her parents to the war that broke out between her pack and her betrothed's, she vowed to avenge her pack members and her parents' deaths. Unknown to her, her cursed fate would lead her down a different path rather than towards revenge. Blame it all on her fate! Thinking she could avenge her pack's innocent deaths, she decided to work as a maid in her parents killer's palace. Not only would she make them pay by destroying everyone, but she would also destroy the one who slew her parents, King Stefan. She thought it was all easy: make him fall in love with her, kill him, and die afterward. Not until he became the very reason she no longer wanted to die and the reason he badly wanted to die. Would she be able to get her revenge or fall into the deadly trap called love? What if her pack members didn't die because they were raided by the Silvermoon pack, but because of her cursed fate? What about the king? What if there is more to him than she knew? Their story shouldn't have existed. No, they were never meant to be in this place; two souls sharing one fate. ____ "Did you still love me? Even though I am cursed and will bring doom to you and your pack members?" Her question made him chuckle as if what she just asked was funny. "Yes. Let's say that is what we get for raiding your pack," he paused briefly. "I love you, though I am not sure if you will want to be my wife, right under this moonlight." She closed the gap between them, tears clustered in her eyes before she said, "Damn this moonlight! It has broken us more than repaired. Let's get married!" Just when he was about to seal their secret wedding with a kiss, an arrow pierced through Elysia's back. Elysia coughed out blood. Her body went numb as she fell weakly to the ground. Her lips parted slowly, "Damn our cursed fate, I should have just killed you instead of falling into that deadly trap called love."

“Is Mr. Angelis there?” a hurried voice asked. The man introduced himself as Dereck. “No, Matt isn’t home. He’s in Brisbane until tomorrow,” Colette replied, her tone flat and resigned. She was ready to end the call and retreat back to the comfort of her bed when Dereck’s response froze her in place. He laughed. “Oh, is that what he told you?” A cold drop of fear slithered down her spine. “What is that supposed to mean?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, a mixture of fear and anger lacing her words. There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Colette could almost hear the gears turning in Dereck’s mind as he realized his slip. “What?” She stammered, before abruptly cutting the call. Matheo would attend the gala with Iris, and they would be the perfect couple, the power duo that everyone admired. Meanwhile, Colette would be here, in this cold, empty house, a prisoner of her own despair. The realization was suffocating, the betrayal too deep to bear. Her heart ached with a pain so intense it felt physical, a crushing weight that left her gasping for breath. She sat down on the edge of the bed, her body trembling with a mixture of rage and sorrow. Tears streamed down her face, but she made no move to wipe them away. What was the point? The man she had loved with all her heart, the man she had trusted implicitly, had chosen another over her. He had lied to her, betrayed her, and now he was flaunting that betrayal in the most public way possible. But this was new! Now, he had started lying to her. So, that he could attend the gala with Iris without his "stupid, unreasonable" wife demanding to be taken to a public place with him? He wouldn’t want that burden on him now, would he? No, Iris would look much better in his arms, cool and sophisticated, with her intellectual talks to charm his potential investors. She knew the ins and outs of his business and it wouldn’t be the first time he had taken her to such events. The thought made Colette’s stomach churn. But tonight, something snapped inside her. The dead flower of her heart, long withered from neglect and betrayal, turned to a crisp. She had been humiliated, shamed, hidden away in secret, and lied to. Matheo had been afraid she would embarrass him? Now she would show him what true embarrassment felt like. Maybe her marriage was over. Maybe her husband had only ever wanted her for one thing: sex. If that was the case, then tonight, she would be the epitome of sex. She would get ready to seduce him in public, and the whole world would see the actual of their marriage before she left him forever. If he wanted her as the whore, he will get the whore.